Wireless Networks (IEEE 802.11b)

Abstract

Wireless networks use high-frequency radio waves to transmit from node to node. The 11Mbps IEEE 802.11b standard has been designed so that nodes can connect using a peer- to-peer connection (known as an ad-hoc connection) or connect to a wireless hub (known as an infrastructure connection). The bit rate is equivalent to a base-rate Ethernet connection, and is thus able to easily integrate with existing Ethernet networks. The advantages of IEEE 802.lib include:

• • Integrates well with existing Ethernet networks.

• • Is supported by most network operating systems.

• • Provides a range of up to 800 feet, in an open environment.

• • Provides increased mobility.

• • Reduces the cost of wiring.

• • Supports 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps bit rates.

• • Supports either a point-to-point (ad-hoc) and point-to-multipoint (infrastructure) access.

• • Supports Plug and Play, and is easy to install.

• • Used strong encryption using WEP encryption (64-bit and 128-bit)

• • Uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) which is a robust, interference-resistant and secure wireless connection.